Vehicle.



H. N. WHITTELSEY.

VEHICLE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 28, 1912.

Patented @11.26,

6 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

Mmmm" Witnesses 'agb u. N. WHTTBLSEY- VEHICLE. APPLICATION lMLPD MAY 28,1912.

1.126,326. Patented .15.11.26, 1915.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

H. N. WHITTELSEY.

VEHICLE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 28.1912.

lglse Patented M1126, 1915.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

W'neses: 4 u

am @www @il f- Attorneys.

gA/h l w H. N. WHITTELSEY.

VEHICLE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 28,1912.

1,126,326, Patent@ Jan. 26, 1,915.-

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

lg Inventor H. N. WHITTELSBI.

VEHICLE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 28, 1912.

Patented Jan. 26, 1915.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

Honeys.

H. N. WHITTBLSEY.

VEHICLE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 28,'1912 Patented Jan. 26, 1915.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

' Trugb Tg5@ Witnesses @Ferca YHENBY NEWTN WHITTELSEY, 0F GREENWICH, QONNEGT'CUT.

VEHICLE.

aiaaeee.

Specication of Letters Patent. Y

rateatea aan. e6, tais.

application nieta may as, iaia. serial no. voaiae.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that l, HENRY Niszw'roiaA WHITTELSEY, a citizen of the United States, residing in the town of Greenwich, county of Fairfield, and State of Connectlcut, have invented a certain new and useful Vehicle, of which the following is a specification. i

This invention relates to vehicles prlmarily intended to be used for traveling upon roads. lt has particular'reference to self-propelled vehicles. Certain features of the invention about to be described, however, may be applied to vehicles of different kinds. i

The objects I have in vlew are: First: to avoid the necessity of elastic tires, or spring wheels, which cause expense, welght,

. and resistance to traction. Secondz'to improve the riding qualities of. the vehicle, by reducing and eliminating JoltsA and vibrations. This makes Vthe vehicle capable of profitable use upon road-s of great roughness and inequalities.l Third: to lncrease the durability of the vehicle. Fourth: to produce' a device which will utilize'more delicate and elastic springs than have here- .tofore been capable of being employed.

Fifth: to increase the length and carrying capacity of the'vehicle, without decreasing the manoeuvering abilities of the same. Sixth: to decrease skiddlng on turns, and

-side sliding. on slippery roads of high camber. Seventh: to produce a .device in which the proportion of load on the drive wheels is the same at all times. Eighth: to more equally distribute the vehicle load', and thus reduce wear on the roads.

Further objects are to produce a device which willpossess the preceding advantages, whieh will not be unduly complicated or expensive, and which will have a pleasing and attractive appearance.

These and further objects will more fully appear from the following specification and accompanying drawings, considered togetheror separately. y

In the drawings, 'Figure l is a plan view of a chassis of a motor vehicle, having six wheels and` embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section on'the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, certain parts not being in section. y Fig. 3 is a transverse section on the line 3 3. of Fig. 1, looking to the left. Fig. 4 is a similar section on' the line 4-fi of Fig. 1, also looking to left. Fig. 5

ing the is a diagrammatic, side elevation of a chassis, showing a modication of :the invention. Fig. 6 is a transverse'section of the structure shown in Fig. 5, taken on vthe line 6 6 of that igure. Fig. 7 is a'diagrammatic plan View of a portion Vof a chassis, embodying another modification of the invention. Fig. 8 is a side view of the same, but showing the main frame of the chassis in place. Fig. 9 is a detail section, on the line 9-9of Fig. 10, of one form of axle box, and hinged joint between the lon'- gitudinal membersy 'of the structures illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 10 is a section on the line 10-10 of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a sectional view on the Vline 11-11 of Fig. 12, of one form of spring support similar to that shown in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 12 isa section on the line 12-12 of Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a plan view of the structures illustrated on Figs. 11 and 12. Fig. 13a is a diagrammatic plan View of a portion of a chassis, embodying another-'modification of the invention. Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic View of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, showwith one of the center wheels depressed and one of the end wheels on the same side elevated. Fig. 15 is a similar view,'showing a cross-section',l the section being taken on the line 15,-15 of Fig. let. Fig. 16 is a view similar toV that of the line 16-16 of Fig. 14. Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic plan view of a portion of the chassis, showing a modiiica'tion of the invention in which the driving wheels are located at one end of the frame. Fig. 18 is a diagrammatic view of afportion of the chassis, showing a device for holding the running gear without reliance on the vehicle frame. Fig. 19 is another diagrammatic view of a portion of the chassis, showing still another device for holding the running gear true. Fig. 20 is a view similar to Fig; 14, showing the same structure but illustrating the position of the wheels with one lof the end wheels in a depression in the road bed, the other wheels being on the normal horizontal plane. Fig. 21 is a similar view, showing a distortion of the road bed, in which one of the center wheels is elevated and Vthe end wheels on the same side are depressed. Fig. 22 is an end view position of the wheels and axles;

Fig. 15, taken onof the same, showing the position ofthe axles and wheels` when the parts are in the y In all of theviews,

. V21. Fig. 23 is a dethe frame and longiform of.- a

position shown in Fi tail sectional view o U 'tudinal members, showlng one compensating strut. Figs. 24, 25, 26-and 27 are detail views showing modified forms of spring support, and Figs. 28, 29 'and 30 arediagrammatic views .lllustratmg the turning ,operations of various forms. of chassis.

nat'ed by the same reference characters.'

Attentionis called first to Figs. l, 2, ,3 andfl. These figures illustrate a motor vehiclechassis made according to thev preferred embodiment of my invention. The franie 1, is shown as of rectangular shape 'in order to accommodate a suitable loadcarrying floor or body. The character of -load-carryingfloor'or body depends upon the nature of the Vehicle. The invention may be used'in connection with vehicles for carrying passengers. It may then have the lordinary automobile body. It may be used as a truck, for carrying loads. In that case, lanyform of body may-be employed, as desired.` The frame is shown as formed of `channel irons.

shown solely' for purposes ofilllustration.

' In the embodiment chosen for illustration, there are six wheels. In order to attain all .of the objects of my invention, it is necessary that there be'more than two axles longitudinallydisposed. This may be attained with six wheels, or less than six wheels, on 4the axles. Fig.13a showsthree axles 1ongitudinally disposed, with four wheels. Certain advantages of the invention may be attained with more than three axles. The description ofthe present invention, however, is restricted to a vehicle having four or six wheels. "It is to be understood, however,

that the number of wheels and number of to the driving wheels. The axles 4, 43, 4b,

connect the wheels in the usual manner. The axle for the driving wheels is shown as located halfway between the front and rear axles. This position is chosen'solely for illustration. The driving axle may be located in any other position, -nearer one axle or the other, without departing from the invention.

like parts ar'des'ig- This formof frame is The axles 4: and 4* are connected together by longitudinal frames 5. The axles 4 and 4 nal load-carrying frames, as they preferably carry the entire weight of the vehicleframe and frame load. In the embodiment chosen for4 illustration, there are two load-carrying frames on the right side, and two load-carrying frames on the left side of the vehicle. All longitudinal load-carrying frames are connected to the axles, intermediate the ends ofthe latter. Referring to Fig. 2, the longitudinal load-carrying frames are shown made up of the channel bars, and the axle boxes. 11, together with their parts.` The forward longitudinalload-carrying frames are shown hinged on the pivots to the -rear longitudinal -loadcarryin*g.-i,.g=frames. Ag'lhis allows the front'and rear load=carrying frames to act' vertically, independent of each other. The yI )ivots 13 may be located directly below thepcenter of the middle axle. For structural simplicity, the pivot is preferably placed' just forward of the middle axle. This location permits the forward longitudinal load-carrying frames to act substantially the same as if the pivots were directly below the center of the'middle axle.

. Theboxes 11, and the axles have means to hold the boxes ina longitudinal fixed position on the axles which are connected thereto. At the same time, these means will permit the axles considerable cant, that 'is,4 allowone end of any axle to rise or fall considerably more than the other end of the same axle. Therefore, all axles and the ends thereof are free to .rise and fall through the means provided by the action of theplossess proper longitudinal stiffness. Astilll rtherfunctionis to permit the axles free vertical andlimited oscillatory movement independent of each other. The members of the longitudinal load-carrying fra-mes'shown in the preferred embodiment are so designed as to perform the above specified functions.

The longitudinal load-carrying frames maybe composed of any other suitable members,-either rigid or elastic,that will ailow them to perform the'same functions, withoutl departing from the invention, such as a long leaf spring, or la bar with leaf Aspring ends, as will be described herein, and indicated in Fig. 8. These longitudinal load-carrying frames mal be connected to the axles independent ov each other, proypreferred embodiment, I

`form their functions.

1,1 2as2 l lvided the connections are made in a manner to permit them to perform their proper functions. Other forms of longitudinal load-carrying frames are illustrated in this application for patent, and will hereinafter be described.

I will now refer to the connections between the longitudinal load-carrying frames and the vehicle frame 1. In these connections are introduced particular means which perform very important functions necessary to fully attain all the objects of my invention. These means permit the ends of the longitudinal load-carrying frames to freely rise andfall in vertical longitudinal planes. They also permit this action of the frames independent of one another. These particular means I term axial members. It follows that through this action of the axial members, the load-carrying frames are permitted to perform their functions. Thus the axles have freev vertical movement. One end of any axle may rise or fall with reference to the other end, or to the -end of any other axle. In the preferred 'embodiment of my invention, I have shown such. axial members as consisting of the pivots 84:. They are l0- cated intermediate the ends of the longitudilnal load-carrying frames and intermediate the axles which are connected together by such frames. 1

The axial members may be located midway between the ends of the longitudinal load-carrying frames, or they may be located nearer one end of the longitudinal frames than the other. This longitudinal location depends upon the proportion of load of the vehicle it is desired to carry on the connected axles. It also affects the relative vertical movement of the axial members with reference to the vertical movement of the axles which are connected together. The axial members are preferably located, however, in the vertical plane, midway between the axles `which are connected together, and it is so shown in the preferred embodiment of my invention. In the illustration of the have shown the axial members as composed of the pivots 34. Any other suitable rigid or elastic member or members that will permit the axial members performing their functions may be einployed, without departing from the invention. I show other forms of axial members, which would be suitable inmy preferred embodiment, such as two pivots (Fig. 2G), two helical stiff springs (Fig. 25), a small,

full elliptic spring (Fig. 24)., and in Fig. 27

I also show a main side spring' of the vehicle bearing directly on the longitudinal load- `carrying framein a manner .to permit the longitudinal load-carrying frames to pei'- In this case, this spring has the function of an axial member.

" Therefore, any members, irrespective of their nature, which encompass the functions of the axial members, are axial members in fact and may from my invention. A fuller description of modified forms of axial members will be The axial members are connected to the frame 1, of the vehicle, in a suitable manner to permit these members to perform their functions. 'In the preferred. embodiment chosen for illustration, I show suitable means for this connection, as follows :-The pivots 34 support the spring saddles 37 (see Fig. 12). The spring saddles support the side springs 7. The side springs are connected at one end to the links 35 and spring brackets 9. The spring brackets are connected to the frame 1. The other end of the side springs is connected by ordinary double links 36 to the cross springs 8. The. cross springs -support the spring bolster 9a. The

spring bolster is attached to the 'vehicle frame 1 (see Fig. 23).

The links 35 and 3,6 in the connecting members between the longitudinal load carrying frames and the vehicle frame 1 perform a very important function. They Ienable the vehicle frame 1 to have a free, floating longitudinal action above the wheels, axles and longitudinal load carrying frames, which action is controlled by the radius rods 17, and permit the fi'ee action of the longitudinal load carrying frames, axles and Wheels, which is necessary to properly travel upon the uneven surface of the ordinary road. Referring particularly to the diagrammatic Figs. 14, 2O and 2l, the wheels on one side of the vehicle in each of these figures are shown more or less displaced. Where the wheels are displaced, the longitudinal load carrying frames are shown out of their normal position. This change in position effects the members connecting 'the forming their full and proper functions.

These links I term, therefore, longitudibe used without departing nal' compensating' members, owing to their vparticular function. vIt is not necessary to employ links as longitudinal compensating members, for the reason that other means can be satisfactorily used which Will encompass the same function. Such longitudinal compensating members can be introduced in any suitable place between the longitudinal load-carrying members and the frame of the vehicle and can be of -various forms Without departing from the invention.

The load-carrying -`frames may be connected to the vehicle "frame through any elastic, rigid, or combined elastic and rigid members, without departing from my, 1nvention', provided such connections permit the load-carrying frames to perform their functions. yIn order to attain fully the objects of myl invention, it vis preferable to make all load-carrying members of the'vehicle converge at the axial members. This will transfer the entire load through the axial members to the longitudinal loadcarrying frames, and through the longitudinal load-carrying frames to the axles. This is so shown in the preferred embodiment of my invention. The axial members may be directly connected to the-frame 1 of the vehicle, without departing from my invention. It would still be possible lfor the axial members and the longitudinal load frames to perform their functions, when so arranged provided longitudinal compensating members were included,l inthe connection. In fact, a member may be both an axial member and a longitudinal compensating member at the same time, as depends upon its function. In Figs. 7 and 8, I show still another form of axial members and connections, a description of which will be made later in this specification;

Frpm the foregoing description, it is apparent that the vehicle frame 1 and the members connecting it to the longitudinal compensating members, can be considered a Vcomplete structure which acts as a whole.v

This I term a frame gear structure. Also, it is apparent that the axles 4, 4a, 4b, and their wheels, taken with the connecting load-carrying frames and any members connecting them to the longitudinal compensating members, can be considered another complete structure. This I term a running gear structure. The longitudinal compensating members Inay be fixed to either the Aframe gear structure or the running gear structure, and become part of the structure to which they are fixed.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, illustrating the preferred embodiment of my invention, I show radius rods 17, attached at one end to the frame 1, and attached at the other end to the axial members, namely,-the pivots 311.- `In this embodiment of the invention, the axial members are rigidly con- Aload-carrying frames.

ygitudinally with reference to the tively high speeds it nected by the brackets 6, to the longitudinal Therefore, as the axial members are in this case part of the running gear structure, the connecting of the radius rods to the axial members are' connections to the latter structure.` In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the vertical plane of the axial members is the plane of least vertical movement with refereuce to the vertical movement of the axles which are connected together, and therefore, thepoint of connection of the radius f rods to tineJ running gear structure is that 'of least vertical movement.

It follows that under all conditions of road, the movement of the radius rods is small, and therefore, causes no material distortion nof the running gear structure,

These radius rods may, however, :be connected at one end to any suitable point in the running gear structure Without departing from my invention. The radius rods may even be dispensed With and the running gear structure correctly held lonframe gear structure by fitting longitudinally the compensating struts illustrated in Fig. 23 and described later. This device, or any others that encompass the same functions, may be used without departing from my invention.

Referring to the illustration of the preferred embodiment of the invention, I show the running gear structure correctly held transversely with reference to the frame gear structure 'by the four points of connection of the side spring saddles 37 (see Fig. 12), and the twoypoints of connection of the radius rods. This is suliicient for relatively low speeds. However, for relais preferable to hold the center of length of 'all axles perpendicular to the vehicle` frame at its longitudinal center line. Otherwise, lsevere stresses might be placed on the connections between the load-carrying frames and the axles, by some of the in a rut or car track. I, therefore, fit trans'- versely compensating struts 10,. shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, and also shown in more detail in Fig. 23. These compensatingstruts maintain at all times the center of length of the axles perpendicular to thevehicle frame at its longitudinal center line. These also permit the axles free, independent vertical movement, and transmit no material load from the frame to the axles. They have a further special function, in that they prevent the side swerving of the frame I of the vehicle at relatively high speeds. In the embodiment illustrated, I prefer to use one of these compensating struts, fitted transversely, between each axle and the vehicle frame. More or less may be fitted. They may be connected between any sultwheels being caught able points of the frame gear structure to the running gear structure, without departlng from the invention. A fuller description of these compensating struts will be made later in this specication, and are specially claimed in my co-pending application for patent, before identified.'

The stresses that might be placed on the connections of the load-carrying frames may be prevented to a certain extent 'by the use of diagonal reaches in the running gear structure. Theseare shown in Figs. 18 and 19. Either arrangement will hold the center of length of the axles in line. The'se diagonal reaches will be more fully explained later in this specification. The running gear structure may be connected to the frame gear structure by any other suitable devices that encompass, in `Whole or in part, functions of the compensating struts 10. The running gear structure may be fitted with any other suitable members to encompass the same functions asy the diagonal reaches shown in Figs. 18 and 19, without departing from the invention.

vv"Referring to Figs. 14, 15, 16, 20, 21 and 2Q., the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in these figures diagrammatically.

Referring particularly to Fig. 20, 'the front right Wheel is shown in a hollow, cnequarter the diameter of the Wheel. The vrunning gear structure is shown acting as follows :-The front ends of the longitudinal load carrying frames drop with the axles. The point of attachment of the load-carrying frames in the embodiment illustrated, is about midway between the center of length of the axles and their ends. Therefore, the right point of attachment drops about threequarters the/,drop of the right wheel, and the left point of attachment drops vabout one-quarter the drop of the right wheel. This is evident from Fig. Q2, in which the front axle is indicated bya solid line. The right frontlongitudinal load frame, therefore, is dropped at its front end about threequarters the drop of the front. right wheel, and at its rear end is. at its normal position. Therefore, the right front axial memberis dropped about three-eighths the drop of the front right wheel, and, further, the left front axial member, by the same reasoning, is dropped about one-eighth the drop of the front right wheel, and the rear axial members are in their normal position. It follows that the frame gear structure must adjust itself to less than half the drop of the right front Wheel. This is well within the easy- ,working range of the side springs. They will carry the frame of the vehicle to the position shown, without undue jolt or Jar.

In Fig.\14, the right forward wheel has raised one-quarter its diameter, and the middle right 4wheel has fallen the same distance from the level. axial members, both right and left, is the same as the front axial members illustrated in Fig. 20. The right front longitudinal load-carrying frame is raised about threequarters of the raise of the right front wheel, at the forward end, and the rear end is dropped about three-quarters of the drop of the right middle'wheel. Therefore, the vertical-movements of the axles counteract each other in their effect upon the right front longitudinal load-carrying frame, and there is no material vertical action on the right front axial member. There. is also no material vertical movement of the left front axial member. The frame gear structure is, therefore, only slightly affected by this large vertical movement of the right Wheels, andas the vertical movement of the rear axial members is Well within the easy Working range of the side springs, no severe jolts or shocks will be transferred to the vehicle frame. Figs. 15 and 16 are cross-sections showing the front and middle of the vehicle in action and the V very slight side pitch of the vehicle frames with reference to its normal plane is very apparent. The compensating struts are here shown in action, and the diagrams clearly show these struts performing their functions.

Referring to Fig. 21, the right front Wheel is dropped, the right middle Wheel is raised, and the right rear Wheel is dropped. The vertical movement of each wheel isshown as about one-quarter of its diameter. The action of the rear longitudinal load-carrying, frame is substantially the same as the action of the front frames in Fig. 14, and the action of the front longitudinal loadcarrying frames is the same as the rear, but is reversed. Therefore, there is no material vertical effect on the front or rear'axial members and the frame of the vehicle is substantially in the normal position. Fig. 22 shows al cross-section at the front axle,

`and shows the middle axle and its wheels dotted. The reariaxle and wheels fall in the same line as the front axle. The rise and fall of the Wheels in these diagrammaticy figures is about the maximum that vehicle wheels can be expected to ride, in proportion to their diameter and the road conditions indicated are most severe. It is apparent, from the diagrammatic drawings, and this description of the vehicle action, that the Wheels of the same axle may rise or fall with reference to each other, or rise or fall together, and the resulting vertical action on the frame gear structure can never be more than one-half the vertical movement of the wheels. The avera e Aroadway is a series of rounded humps an dished hollows of more or less severity. The spread of the wheel The position of the rear traction surfaces in a vehicle built according to the preferred embodiment of my in- Ventron prevents, in the majority of cases,

any two wheels being affected by the sama their vertical effect on the frame gear structure. The action substantially as shown for the right wheels of the vehicle in Figs.

fo're,'` that the movement substantially aver- ...tages the unevencondition of theroad surface. I, therefore, attain the principal objects of my yinvention through the meansy of a running gear structure 'with lmore than two axles longitudinally "disposed, preferably` arranged` as shown in my preferred embodiment, which structure is freeto adjust itselfto all conditions .ofthe' ordinaryl -g-roads, and which sub'stantiallyaverages the tion motor.'

. suitable manner,

uneven condition or lthe road surfaces in its effect on the frame gear structure.

I will now describe the other parts of the vehicle as covered in the illustration of my preferred embodiment, and later describe certain details and modifications more fully. Referring more particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, a motor hood 14, is shown, in which there is an ordinary internal combustion motor and clutch. The power is carried through the longitudinal shaft 15 to the change gear" transmissionlbox, and from there through the shaft 15 to the differential gear box. From this latter point it is. carried in the jack shaft 16, to the jack shaft sprockets,`

and from there to the sprockets on the middle wheels. Any other form of motive power may be used in place of an internal combus- The motive power may be located at any suitable place in the vehicle and connected to the driving wheelsin any the invention. I show the njack shaft and differential gear box supported from the longitudinal load-carrying frames. This is an important feature where chain drive is to be used. The4 driving wheels rise and fall on the ordinary road materially with refer- Y ence to the vehicle frame, and consequently,

materially increase and decrease the distance from the vehicle frame to the drive wheels. This would prevent the satisfactory use of chain. The jack shaft, however, as I have shown same located in this embodiment, remains substantially the same distancefrom the drive wheels. Any other system of connecting the power to the drive wheels or to live driving axles, may be used without departing from this invention.

nected to the drive wheels in any suitable manner, without departing from my invention. j

without departing from- Any other `form of power may be used and be con- Any suitable form of brakes may be'used, and the operating connections therefor made up in' any suitable manner. Neither the brakes or connections are shown in the illustration, as they are of the usual and wellknown type. The vehicle is steered through the means of the steering knuckles, and arms 19, permitting the turningof the steering Wheels 3, 8. The arms are connected by the distance rods'20. These are connected v4'to the'par'all'el steering bars 21` by the comf-lslcl, 16, 21, and22`. It is'apparent, therepensating steering lazy tongs 10, which permit ythe f free relative vertical movement of the distance rods I20 in relation to the vehicle frame 1, without changing the relative longitudinal position ofthe steering `bars 21 and the distance rods- 20. These compensatare supported by the of all *wheels side sliding of any wheels, and may be turned in a vtrue circle. `The forward bell crank 21a is shown with an extra arm 21c in the embodiment illustrated, and is connected to the ordinary steering gear device (not shown) customarily used on motor vehicles: In the embodiment illustrated, the distance of the steering axles 4a and 4b are equifdistant from the ulriving axle l1. In order to Iproperly accomplish the turning of a vehicle with more than'tvvo axles longitudinally disposed, the steering wheels must be actuated as follows :The project-y ed center line of all steering wheels, when turning, must substantially meet at a point, (see Figs. 28, 29 and 30) and if there are any non-steering wheels, the projected center lines of these must also substantially pass through the same point. Therefore, with the steeringaxles spaced equi-distant from the non-steering axles as shown in the preferred embodiment, the transverse travels of the forward. and rear rods 20 is the same! However, when the axles are not so spaced, the turning angles of the /wheels on the different steering axles must vary. This I direct and, control rods 20 move in properrelation to each other. This relative motion I direct by so proportioning the arms of the bell cranks 21E*` and 21b connecting the-rods 21 to the rod 23, to cause the proper relative Inovement, and thus correctly actuate the distance rods 20. The angle of steering wheels on the same axle iscontrollcd in the customary by making the distance- I will now refer to the illustration of the" embodiment of my invention, and particu- `larly to the compensating struts 10.` These compensating struts are shown in more detail in Fig. 23, which shows the preferred form. The rods,vor bars a, are hinged or 10 pivoted together by rivets or pinsor bolts 10b. Six rods are illustrated. Three of these rods incline to the right; the other three incline to the left, and cross the former rods. Two of the rods are connected to a bar 10c by means of the pivot 10d. Two more of the rods are connected to the bar 10c by pivots 10h. These pivots slide in the slots 10e. The remaining two rods are connected 4atthe apex by the pivot 10. The bar 10 is supported in brackets 10g. The bar is round where it enters the brackets, permitting rotation of the device about the center line of the brackets. The pivot 10 is located immediately below the pivot 10d, and always remains in such a position, irrespective of the varying distance which may separate the axle and frame 1. This peculiar characteristic of this` device is illustrated by the broken linewhich indicates the form of the device when the pivot 1()f is considerably dropped. It is also diagrammatically illustrated in Figs. 15, 16 and 22. This device affords the means for holding the center of.

length of the axles perpendicularly below the frame 1 at the longitudinal center line. It'also affords means to hold any axle in its proper relative longitudinal position with reference to 'the vehicle fra-me 1, provided the device is located in a longitudinal plane.

40 Referring to Figs. 9 and 10,-'these show one of the longitudinal load frame members, -and the axle boxes as employed in'the preferred embodiment of my invention. The axle boxes 11 are closed at the top by means of alremovable plate 28.. The boxes have vertical grooves 29. Wearing blocks 30, attached to the axle, play in these grooves.

The bearing faces ofthe axles,.and the faces of the blocks parallel to them, are

curved slightly -as shown in Fig. 9, preferably upon the arc of a circle. This permits a partial and limited rotary movement within the axle box, and prevents jamming of the axle within the box by ,a slight rotation of thev axle, incident to'ruse.' The wearing blocks are attached to' the axle by means which permit angular movement of the axle in relation to the box. 'Y The means chosen for illustration is inthe form of a pin 31.

f This pin passes through the axle, and. also through the blocks. By means of these pins,

the axle may be raised up on one side more Y )than the other without jamming the wearing blocks within :the grooves. A spring 12 is interposed between the axle and plate 28.

By lrerovin this plate, the spring may be removedf'an the axle lifted out. The particular fuirction of this spring is to take up the minor vibrations of the road. These minor vibrations are caused by slight un- 9c evenness 'of the surface, and small obstructions. Figs. 9 and 10 show the pivot 13, which-affords means for permitting the forward longitudinal load frame to act vertically, 4independent of the rear longitudinal 75 load-carrying frame. This pivot and the parts it connects are only used in connectionA witl1'-.the middle axle boxes. Fig. 2 shows 'this construction. Figs. 11 12 and 13 `show the preferred axial member and connections. The yaxial member is the pivot 34, supportedby .the plates '6 which are attached to either side of the frame 5. The pivot 34 is fitted with a bushing 35, which, in turn, carries a side g5 spring saddle 37. The side springsare held and supported by thisspring saddle. Fig. 26 shows another form 'of axial member having two pivots which are connected to the longitudinal load-carrying frame through 9o brackets. The pivots support the spring saddles 37, which, in turn, support the side springs 7. It is apparent that these axial members will permit the longitudinal load frames to perform their functions within e5 the range of certain 'vertical movement of the ends. Fig. 25 shows another modification of axial members. ln this case, the two stiff springs 7a, 7, form the axial members. Fig. 24 shows a modification of the form shown in Fig. 25, in which an elliptic spring 7 b is employed. These springs are suitably connected to the longitudinal load-carrying frames and are also connected to the side spring saddles, which, in turn, are connected to the side springs 7. It is apparent that the actionv of these stiff springs permits the longitudinal load frames to perform their functions through a certain range :of vertical movement of their ends. Itfis appar- 11o ent that one of the springs, or more'than two of the springs, could be used for this purpose.A F ig. 27 shows another modification of the axial member. In this case, the

'side spring bears directly on the longitudi- 115 nal load frame, and permits the longitudi- 'nal load frame to roll .on the lower surface of the vthe spring. The spring is held in place by suitable connections, and in this case the bearing part of Vthe spring is consideredV the axial member.

Fig. 5 shows a modification of the invention in which four side springs are used on each side of the vehicle, instead of two as shown in the preferred embodiment. These side springs are supported by the spring beam .241, which is supported by an axial member 25, which, in turn, is supported by the longitudinal load-carrying frames. This modification of thesprings and connections, 13o

members to the axles is by means of a hanger device which permits ythe free rising and falling-of one end of any axle with reference to its other end. The ends of the load-carrying frames are shown in the form of a spring which is for the purpose of taking up the minor `vibrations of the road. The entire 4load-carrying frame may be a spring, Without departing from the invention: The axial ymembers of this vehicle are the bars 27, which aresecured to the longitudinal load-carrying frames. They may be rotated in the connections which support them on the longitu ydinal load frames., This is to enable the longitudinalload frames to act independently of each other. The axial members support the spring saddles, which, in turn, support the' side spring 7, which, in turn, is connected by the ordinary linksand brackets to the vehicle frame 1, the links forming the longitudinal compensating members. The axle 4 is bent down to clear the lframe 1, when it is raised above its normal position. The axles 4E and 4b are, in this vehicle, the steering axles, and the middle axle carries the driving Wheels, which are non-steering. The steering of this vehicle is accomplished substantially the same as that shown in the preferred embodiment. The power to drive this vehicle maybe any form of prime mover connected to the driving wheels in any suitable manner. `This particular modification is especially adaptable to pleasure vehicles or automobiles. The particular arrange -ment ofy the running gear structure and frame gear structure enables the vehicle frame 1 to` be placed relatively low, which is i two intermediate for driving. The steering l structure similar to the referred embodiment, but wlth the drivingy a desirable feature in pleasure vehicles.

. Fig. 13a' illustrates a still further modication. Here, three axles are employed, but with one wheel ateach end for steering, and

wheels are mounted on forks, similar to a bicycle steering wheel. The vehicle frame 1, is supported by the longitudinal load-carrying frame 5, by means of the axial members 27', land side springs 7 The converging of the load frames toward the ends makes it desirable to attach the springs outside of the load frames.

Fig. 17 shows illustration of the wheels ,fitted to the rear axle 4", and the middle axle 4 used-fas a steering axle. The

ALetters Patent, is :f4

' frames; a

part of the'running gear' steering of this vehicle is' accomplished as heretofore described, where the steering axles are unequally spaced in relation to the driving axle. The longitudinal load-carrying frames and frame gear structure are substantially as shown inv Fig. 1; Any wheels on any axles ymay' be used as driving` wheels, without ,departing lfromthe invention. i

lFigs.` 1,8 an'd 19 k,diagonstl reaches, The

fitted in the running .gearA structure.

longitudinal load.-carryingufra in es and axles are substantially the same .as indicatedin the preferred embodiment.A InfFi'g.4 1 8, lthe diagonal `vreaches 3 8 are ,connected tothe axles at one end, and to plates 39 rnidway c between the axles.` This connection o fthe"r` reaches vto the platespermits the longitudr nal lload-carrying framesto have free, independent, vertical movement.` It is apparent from this figure that these diagonal reaches rect longitudinal alinement.

` Fig. 19 shows the diagonal reaches 4 0 as connecting the middle axle from just inside of the longitudinal loadcarrying frame boxes, to the center of the end axles through a swivel bolt. It is apparent that this structure will hold the running gear structure in proper longitudinal alinement.

Either of these structures may be used without departing from the invention, as may other structures of a similar nature.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes I have described the principle of my invention, together withthe apparatus which I now consider to represent the best embodiment thereof; but I desire .to have it understood that. the apparatus shown is merely illustrative, and that the invention can be carried out in other ways.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by 1. A vehicle with more than two axles, longitudinally disposed, having a running gear,r structure, which comprises wheels; axles;

frame gear structure supported by the running gear structure, one ofv said structures including axial members, said axial members being carried 'by the load-- carrying frames intermediate the ends thereof, and means within said running gear structure for maintaining constant the distance between adjacent axles. y

2. A vehicle with more than two axles, longitudinally disposed, having a running gear structure, which comprises wheels; axles; and longitudinal load-carrying frames; aframe gear structure supported by the running gear structure, one of said structures including axial members, said will hold the `running gear structure in corll` and longitudinal load-carrying axial membersbeing carried by the load-c t i thereof,

axles.'

means within saild'l running gear structure for maintaining constant the distance between adjacent axles, and longitudinal devices connecting the A vehicle with more than two axles, longitudinally disposed, having a running gear structure, which comprises wheels; axles; and longitudinal load-carrying frames ;pivots connectingcertain of the roadcarrying frames a frame gear structure supported by the running gear structure, one of ported by the running structures including longitudinal compensaid structures including axial members, said. axial members being carried by the `load-carrying frames intermediatel the ends thereof, means within said running gear structure rfor maintaining constant the distance between adjacent axles, and longitudidina-l ompensating devices connecting the two structures.

5. A' vehicle with more than two axles, longitudinally disposed; having a running gear structure, which comprlses wheels, axles, and longitudinal load carrying frames connecting the axles; means within said running gear structure for maintaining constant the longitudinal distance between the axles; and a frame gear structure supgear; one of said sating members.- A l j 6. A vehicle with more than two axles,

longitudinally disposed.: having 'a runningv gear structure, which comprises wheels, axles, and longitudinal load-carrying frames connecting Vthe axles; means within said running gear' structure for maintaining constant and longitudinal distance between the axles: and aframe gear structure supported by the running gear structure; longitudinal connections between the running' gear structure, connected 4intermediate the axles, and the frame gear structure, for'controlling the relative longitudinal of one structure with reference to the other.

7. A vehicle with more than two axles, longitudinally disposed: having al running gear structure, which comprises wheels, axles, and longitudinalA load carrying frames; vmeans within said running gear structure for maintaining constant the j structure for maintaining constant position longitudinal distance between the axles; a frame gearstructure; compensating struts connecting the running gear and `frame gear structures, said ,struts maintaining the relative positions of the points connected in the former structure. with refer- .ence to the points connected in the latter' structure, inthe longitudinal directions of the struts,

8. A vehicle with more than two axles, longitudinally disposed: having a runningand not restricting the Vertical movement of the axles.

gear structure, which comprises wheels,

axles, and longitudinal load carrying frames connecting the axles; means within said running gear structure for maintaining constant the longitudinal distancebetween the axles; a frame gear structure; yoneof said structures including axial members; and' one of said structures including longitudinal compensating members.

9. A vehicle with more than two axles, longitudinally disposed: having a running gear structure, v,which comprises wheels, axles, and longitudinal load carrying framesy means within said running gear structure for maintaining constant the longltudinal distance between the axles; a frame gear structure; one of ,Y said strucf Atures including axial members; one of said structures including longitudinal compensating members; between the running gear structure, con-- nected intermediate the axles, and frame gear structure, for controlling the relative longitudinal position of one structure with reference t` the other.

,10. A vehicle with more than two axles, longitudinally disposed: having a running gear structure, which comprises wheels,

axles, and longitudinal load frames; means within said `running gear the longitudinal distance between the axles: a frame gear structure; one of said structures including axial members; one of said structures including longitudinal compensating members; compensating struts connecting the running gear and frame gear structures; said struts maintaining the relative positions of the points connected in the former structure with reference nected in the latter structure, in theA longitudinal directionsof the struts, and permitting free vertical movement ofthe axles.

11. A vehicle with 'more'than two axles, longitudinally disposed: having a running gear structure, which comprises wheels, axles, and longitudinal load carrying frames; means within said running gearstructure for maintaining constant the 1on- `itudinal distance between the axles; a frame gear structure; one of said structures including longitudinal compensating members; -longitudinal connections between the longitudinal connections carrying to the points convzu;

' axles,

running gear structure, connected intermediate the axles, `and the frame gear structure, for controlling the relative longitudinal position of one structure with reference to the other.

12. A vehicle with more than two axles, longitudinally disposed: having a running gear structure, which comprlses wheels, axles, and longitudinal load carrying frames; means within said running* gear structure for maintaining constant the longitudinal distance between the axles; a frame gear structure; one of said structures includingv longitudinal compensating members; compensating struts connecting they frame gear structure; one of said struc tures including axial members; one of said structures including longitudinal compensating members; longitudinal connections between the running geanstructure, connected intermediate the axles, and the frame gear structure, forcontrolling the relative longitudinal position of onrstructure with reference to the other; motivepower in the `vehicle; the transmission of said motive power tothe tractive surfaces of the driving `wheels being from motive power @embers supported by the running gear struc ure intermediate the axles; compensating strutsl connecting the running gear and frame gear structures; said struts maintainingv the relat1ve positionsof the points connected in the former structure with reference to the points connected in the latter structure in the longitudinal directions of the struts, and permitting free vertical movement of the axles.

14: A vehicle with more than two axles, longitudinally disposed: having a running gear structure, which comprises wheels, and longitudinal load carrying frames; means within said running gear structure for maintaining constant the lon- .gitudinal distance between the .axles frame .gear structure; one of said structures including longitudinal compensating members longitudinal connections between the running gear structure, Aconnected inter-v mediate the axles, andthe frame gear struc- .tlll'e for controlling the relative longitudi nal position of one structure with reference to the other.

carryingI 15. A vehicle with more than two axles longitudinally disposed: having in combination, longitudinal load carrying members connecting all axles; theconnections of the said longitudinal members to the axles embodying means to permit relative angular movement of the axles lin vertical planes and restricting both lateral and longitudinal movementof the axles with reference to the said longitudinal members; a vehicle frame supported by the longitudinal loadcarrying members, and wheels fitted to the axles.

16. A vehicle with more than two axles longitudinally disposed: having in combination longitudinal load carrying members connecting allaxles; the connections of the said longitudinal members to the axles emi bodying means to permit relative angular movement 05E thel axles in vertical planes and restricting both lateral and longitudinal movement of the axles with reference to the said longitudinal members; a vehicle frame;

an axial member in each system of connection between the vehicle frame and the longitudinal load carrying members; said .axial members being independent of each other.

17. A vehicle with more than two. axles v longitudinally disposed: having in combination, longitudinal load carrying members connecting all axles; the connections of the .said longitudinal members to the axles embodying means to permit relative angular movement of the axles in vertical planes and restricting both lateral and longitudinal movement of the axles withreference to the saidlongitudinal members; a vehicle frame; longitudinal compensating members in the connections between the longitudinal load carrying members and the vehicle frame, permitting longitudinal movement of the vehicle frame with reference to the longitudinal load carrying members.

18.. A vehicle with more than two axles longitudinally disposed: having in combination, longitudinal load carrying members connecting allaxles; the connections of the saidlongitudinal members to the axles embodying means to permit relative angular movement of the axles in vertical planes y and restricting both lateral and longitudinal movement of the axles with reference to the said longitudinal members; a vehicle frame; radius rods longitudinally fixed at one end with reference to the vehicle frame,

and longitudinally fixed at the yother end with reference to j longitudinal membersI connecting the axles, intermediate the axles.

19. A vehic1e=with more than two axles longitudinally disposed: having in combina-I tion, longitudinal load carrying members connecting all axles; the connections of the said longitudinal members to the axles embodying means to permit relative angular movement o'fftlie axles invertical planes and restricting both lateral andhlongitudinal movement of the axles 'with 'reference to the said longitudinal members; a vehicle frame;

motivepower in thevehicle; the motor or the power 'connections Vfrom said motor beingl 'supported by, members connecting the 'axles and intermediate `the axles. y 20. vl'le. with more 'tha-n two axles longitudinally disposed; vhaving in combina-r tion, longitudinali-:load carrying members connectingall axles; the connections of the said longitudinal 4members to the axles em.- bodying means to permit relative langlpilar movement Lof. the axles 'in vertical planes and restricting both lateral and longitudinal movement of theaxles with referencel to tween the vehicle frame and the axles, maintaining `constant the position of the axles with reference to the vehicle frame in a vertical plane, and permittingl free vertical action of the axles.

21. A vehicle with ,more than two axles longitudinally disposed.: havingin combination, longitudinal load-carrying frames connecting all axles; the connectionsof the said longitudinal members to the axlesembody- 30 ing means to permit relative angular movement of the axles invertical planes and restricting both lateral and longitudinal movement of the axles with reference to thefsaid longitudinal members; a vehicle 4frame supported by the longitudinal load carrying members; axial members in the connections between the vehicle'. frame and the longitudinal load carrying members; and wheels fitted to the axles.

22. A vehicle with more than'two axles longitudinally disposed: having in combination, longitudinal load carrying members connecting all axles; the connections` of the said longitudinal members tothe axles embodying means to permit relative an'gu lar movementy of thel axles in vertical? planes and' restrictingbot-h lateral and longitudinal movement of the axles w1th referenc'e to the said longitudinal members; 50 a Vvehicleframe; an axial member in each system -of lconnection between the vehicle s frame and the-longitudinal load carrying members; longitudinal compensating members in the connections betweenthe longitudinal load'carrying members and the vehicle frame, permitting longitudinal movement of ythe vehicle frame with reference to' the longitudinal loadcarrying members, and wheels fitted 'to the axles.

longitudinally disposed, having a vehicle frame; longitudinal load carrying framesI connecting lthe axles; boxes von the ends of the load carrying fra-mes; said boxes eacli\ having vertical guides; wearing blocks playhaving vertical of the blocks being curvedto permit partial van axial member in each system of connec- .longitudinal compensating 23. A vehiclewith more lthantwo axles, I

ing in the guides; and means Aconineetingthe axles with the blocks, t0 'Permit relative angular movement. between each axle and4 block; and wheelsfitted t0 the axlesll.' y .l 24: A vehicle withdmore than two axles, longitudinally,disposed, haring @bien frame;"\ longitudinal load carryinff'igranies connecting Athel axles; 4boxes on thegend of` the lad-'cai'rying-frames; ysaid boxes each l guides; wearing blocks, playing 1n the guides, the outside face `of .the blocks being curved, to. @limit partial.'a

relative rotary movement` of t A e ,axles th'e boxes; and means connecting the axlesI with the blocks, to permit relativetangular mov'e-` ment ,between each axle-and ".block.; and d wheels fitted tothe axles. the said 'longitudinal members; a vehicle yframe; compensating struts connected beangular .v movement between each axleand block. i c.

26.1A vehicle withmore than two axles, longitudinally disposed, having a vehicle frame; longitudinal loadcarrying lframes connecting the axles; boxes onthe ends of the load carrying frames, said boxes each having vertical grooves; Wearing blocks, playing in the grooves, the outside `faces '10o relative rotary movement of the axles in the boxes; and a pinconnecting the axles with the blocks, to permit relative angular move# ment between each axle and block.

27. A vehicle with more than two axles longitudinally disposed: having in combination llong itudinal load carrying members connecting all axles; the connections of 'the said longitudinal members to the axles embodyingmeans to permit relative angular -movement of the axles in vertical planes and restrictingv both lateral and longitudinal movement of the axles with reference to the said longitudinal members; a'vehicle frame;

tion between the 'vertical frame and the longitudinal load carrying member, saidv axial members vbeing independent of. ,each other;

members in the connections between the longitudinal load carrying members and the vehicle frame,

permitting longitudinal movement ofthev vehicle frame with reference to the longitudinal load carrying members.

. 28. A vehicle with more than two axles longitudinally disposed: having in combination, longitudinal load carrying members connecting all axles; the connections of the said longitudinal members to the axles embodying'means to permit relative angular 13e movement of the axles in vertical planes and restricting both lateral and longitudinal movement of the axles with reference to the said longitudinal members; a vehicle frame;

an axial member in each system of connection between the vehicle frame and the lon'- gitudinal loadcarrying members, longitudinal compensating members in the connections between the' longitudinal load carry-,-

ing members and the vehicle frame, permit- "ting longitudinal movement of the vehicle vconnecting all axles; the connections of the said longitudinal' members to the axles embodying means to permit relative' angular movement of the axles in vertical planes and restricting both lateral and longitudinal movement of the axles with reference to the said longitudinal members; a vehicle frame; longitudinal compensating members in the connections between the longitudinal load carrying members and the vehicle frame, permitting longitudinal movement of the vehicle frame with reference to the lon gitudinal,l load carrying members; radius rods'longitudinally fixed at one end with reference to the 'vehicle frame, and longi-4 tudinally fixed at the other end with reference to longitudinal members connecting the axles, intermediate the axles.

SOMA vehicle with more than 'two -axlesI longitudinally disposed: having in combination, longitudinal load carrying members connectin all axles; the connections of, the

said longitudinal members to the axles`vem- 'bodying mba-ns to permit relative angular movement of the axles in vertical planes and V,restricting both lateral and longitudinal movement ofthe axles with reference to the said longitudinal members; a vehicle frame; an axial member in each system of connection. between the vehicle frame and the longitudinal load carrying members, longitudinal compensating members in the connections between the' longitudinal load carry'- ing members andflthe vehicle frame with ref-A erencefto the-longitudinal load carrying members.;L radiuslrods longitudinally lfixed at one-end l with '1 reerenc' to.I the vehicle .rame,-and longitudinally xed at the other "endwithv reference to longitudinal members 4connecting he axles, intermediate the axles; gotive power: in the vehicle; the motor or 'e'power connections fromv said motor being supported-'by members connecting the axles and intermediate'the axles; compensating struts connected between the vehicle frame and the axles, maintaining constant the position of the axles with reference' to the vehicle frame in a vertical plane, and permitting free vertical action of the axles.

31. A vehicle with more than two axles longitudinally' disposed: having in combination, longitudinal load carrying members connecting all axles; 'the connections of the said longitudinal members to the axles embodying means topermit relative angular movement of the axles in vertical planes and restricting both lateraland longitudinal movement of the axles with reference to the said longitudinal members; a vehicle frame; longitudinal compensating members in the connections 'between the longitudinal load carrying members and the vehicleA frame, permitting longitudinal movement of the vehicle frame with re/erence to the longitudinal load carrying members; radius rods longitudinally fixed at one end with;

reference to the vehicle frame; and lon`gi tudinally fixed at the other end with ref'-' erence to longitudinal members connecti' g the axles, intermediate the axles; `moti e power in the vehicle; the motor or the power connections from said motor being supported by members connecting the axles 'and intermediate the axles; compensating struts connected betweenthe vehicle frame and the axles, maintaining constant the position of the axles with reference .to the vehicle frame in a vertical plaine, but not restricting the vertical action of the axles.

32. A vehicle with morethan two axles longitudinally disposed: having in combination, longitudinal members. supported by the axles, connecting the axles; a vehicle frame and springs, supporting the frame; motive power in the vehicle, the transmission of' said motive power tothe tractive surfaces of the driving ,wheels being from motive -'power transmission members supported by the longitudinal members intermediate the' axles; and wheels fitted to the axles.

38. A vehicle with more than two axles longitudinally disposed: having in combina# tion, longitudinal members' supported' by the axles, connecting the axles; a vehicle: f frame and springs, supporting the frameg" compensating struts connecting the running gear and frame gear structures, said struts maintaming` the relative positions of the with reference to the points connected in the "latter structure inthe longitudinal direction, longitudinal -members supported .by the axles, connecting the axles; a vehicle frame and springs, supporting the frame;

more than two axles llongitudinally disposed shaving in combina- A points connected in the -former structured longitudinal compensating members in the connections between the longitudinal load carrying members and the vehicle frame, permitting longitudinal movement of' the vehicle frame with reference to the longitudinal load carrying members.

35. A vehicle with more than two axles compensating struts connected between the, `vehicle frame and the axles, maintainmg constant the position of the axles with reference to-the vehicle frame in a vertical plane, and permitting free vertical action of the axles.

37. In a vehicle having more than two axles longitudinally disposed: comprising axles, springs, vehiclefra'me, and lon ,'tudinal load carrying members supported y the making the axle connections being boxes 4having vertical guides; wearing blocks playing in the guides; pins connecting the axles with the blocks; and springs between the top of the boxes and the axles.

38. In a vehicle having more than two axles longitudinally disposed: comprising axles, springs, vehicle frame, and longitudinal load carrying members supported by the axles; axial'members carried by the longitudinal load members intermediate their ends; said axial members being horizontal, laterally disposed pivots, there being a separate pivot carried by each longitudinal load member.

axlesI longitudinally disposed; comprising axles, springs, vehicle frame, and longitudinal load carrying members supported by the axles; radius rods controlling the relative longitudinal position' of the vehicle frame with reference to certain of the 'longitudinal load carrying members, the con- .nections to the latter being fixed longitudi- `nally and carried intermediate the axles,

and the connections to the former being fixed longitudinally. v

40. In a vehicle having more than two axles longitudinally disposed; comprising Wheels, axles, springs, vehicle frame, and longitudinal load carrying members supported by the axles; said longitudinal load member connections being boxes having vertical guides; wearing blocks playing in the guides; pins connecting the axles with the blocks; and springs between the top of the boxes and the axles; axial members carried by the longitudinal load 'nembers intermediate their ends; said axial members being horizontal, laterally disposed pivots, there being aseparate pivot carried by each longitudinal load member.

41. In a Vehicle having more than two axles longitudinally disposed; comprising wheels, axles, springs, vehicle frame, and longitudinal load carrying members supported by the axles; said longitudinal load members connecting all the axles, the particular members making the axle connections being boxes having vertical guides; wearing blocks playing in the guides; pins connecting the axles with the blocks; springs between the top of the boxes land the axles; axial members carried by the longitudinal load members intermediate their ends; said axial members being horizontal, laterally disposed pivots, there being a separate pivot carried by each longitudinal load member;

and spring links attached to both ends of thesprings permitting longitudinal movement of the springs with reference to the vehicle frame. axles; said longitudinal load members con- 4 necting all the axles, the particular members 42. In a vehicle having more than two axles longitudinally disposed; comprising axles, springs, vehicle frame, and. longitudinal load carrying members supported by the axles; axial members carried by the longitudinal load members intermediate their ends; said axial members being horizontal, laterally disposed pivots, there being a separate pivot carried by each longitudinal load member; radius rods controlling the relative longitudinal position of the vehicle frame with reference to certain of the longitudinal load carrying members, the connections to the latter being fixed longitudinally and carried intermediate the axles,

and the connections to the former being fixed longitudinally. 39. In a vehicle having more than two 43. In a vehicle having more than two axles longitudinally disposed; comprising axles, springs, vehicle frame, and longitu` dinal load carrying members supported by the axles; axial members carried by the longitudinal load members intermediate their ends; said axial members being horizontal, laterally disposed pivots, there being a separate pivot carried by each longitudinal load member; radius rods controlling the relative longitudinal position of the vehicle frame with reference to certain of the longitudinal load carrying members, the connections to the latter being fixed longitudinally and carried intermediate the axles, and the connections to the former being fixed longituibo dinally; a jack shaft supported by certain of the longitudinal load carrying members intermediate their ends.

44. In a vehicle having more than two axles longitudinally disposed; comprising axles, springs, vehicle frame, and longitudinal load carrying members supported by the axles; axial members carried by the longitudinal load members intermediate their ends; said axial members being horizontal, laterally disposed pivots, therebeing a separate pivot carried by each lngi tudinal load member; radius rods controlling the relative longitudinal position of the vehicle frame with reference t certain of the longitudinal load carrying members, the connections to the latter being fixed longitudinally and carried intermediate the axles, and the connections to the former being fixed longitudinally; a jack shaft supported by certain of the longitudinal load carrying members intermediate their ends; and compensating struts carried by the vehicle frame and connected to the axles maintaining the lateral position of the axles with reference to the vehicle frame, and carrying no material load of the vehicle frame.

' 45. In a vehicle having more than two axles longitudinally disposed; comprising axles, springs, vehicle frame, and longitudinal load -carrying members supported'by the l axles; axial members carried by the longitudinal loadmembers i intermediate their ends, said axial membersv being horizontal, laterally 'disposed pivots, there betudinal load member; 'radius rods controlling the relative longitudinal position of the vehicle frame with reference to certain of the longitudinal load carr ing members, the connections to the latter being fixed longitudinally and carried intermediate the axles, and the connections tothe former being fixed longitudinally; a jack sha-ft supported by certain ofthe longitudinal loadpcarrying members intermediate their ends; compensating 'struts carried by the vehicle frame andconnected'to the axles maintain- I 'ing a separate pivot carried by each longiing the lateral position of the axles lwith f reference to the vehicle frame, andcarrying no material load'of the vehicle frame.

This specification signed and witnessed this 22nd day of May, 1912.

' Witnesses: V

LEONARD H. DYER, JOHN L. LoTsoH. 

